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Newcastle United Football Club has unveiled a permanent memorial to supporters John Alder and Liam Sweeney, who were among the 298 passengers killed when the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 crashed in eastern Ukraine.

The Alder Sweeney Memorial Garden, which has been constructed in front of the main Milburn Stand at St. James’ Park, will stand as a lasting tribute to John, Liam and all Newcastle United supporters who have sadly passed away.

Club officials including former captain Bob Moncur were joined by the families of John and Liam for a private ceremony with a blessing of the memorial garden made by Newcastle United’s club chaplain, Rev Canon Glyn Evans.

Barry Sweeney, father of Liam, blesses the garden

Bob Moncur joined the families

John and Liam were on their way to watch the team’s pre-season fixtures in New Zealand when they lost their lives.

The two, who were well known to many of the club’s staff, players and supporters, were remembered at Newcastle United’s first home fixture of the 2014/15 season against Manchester City, with wreathes laid by their families, captains Fabricio Coloccini and Vincent Kompany and representatives of Sunderland AFC prior to a minute’s silence.

The family of Liam Sweeney are making the final preparations for his funeral service. A service for the Newcastle United fan, who died alongside fellow supporter John Alder in the Malaysia Airlines crash, will be held at the city's St Mary's Cathedral on Thursday.

His father ,Barry, says the support he has received from all over the world has been phenomenal.